First Overseas Trip - No Deals for Dates I Can Go?

Ldrcat228 on 20/08/2017 - 12:39

Hi everyone, I just got my passport and am hoping to travel between my last day of uni (mid-Dec) and my first day at work (mid-Jan) next year, since it'll be a while before I have such a nice holiday period again anytime soon!

I've been keeping an eye out for deals on Ozbargain but they don't really seem to cover this travel period - am I missing something here? I'm really hoping to minimise costs since I'm still just a student and will be travelling solo.

The travel deals that have caught my eye recently are the ones to Japan, China and the round-the-world ones (like this one https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/323464). To be honest, I'm not too fussed about where to go (not really keen on places like Vietnam though) but keeping costs to a minimum is my top priority.

Thanks in advance for your advice! :)

Travel

Comments

  • huybo on 20/08/2017 - 12:52
    +22

    You are planning on going during peak season anywhere as it is Xmas/New Years. All flights are at full or inflated prices because of this. You would be hard pressed to find a sale fare.

    • drcat228 on 20/08/2017 - 13:51

      Hmm… It's unfortunate that these are the dates I'm free. I'll keep looking casually, just in case :/

  • try2bhelpful on 20/08/2017 - 13:25
    +1

    It is expensive to travel during school holidays. Maybe wait a while before you travel and live off the anticipation or think about doing a driving holiday in Australia.

    • drcat228 on 20/08/2017 - 13:52

      Thanks for the suggestions - I've traveled reasonably well around Australia (capital cities and rural areas!) but I would like to go overseas sometime, that's all.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 20/08/2017 - 14:02
    +4

    As stated above, you're looking at peak of the peak. Even with deals outside of peak season you can't always get the days you want.

    I can't really understand your budget since you're considering RTW trips but don't want places "like Vietnam" on your itinerary. So I suppose you want high value, low risk countries? Accommodation costs skyrocket during that time of the year. And of course domestic connections.

    If you really want China (a little "like Vietnam" in parts though…) you'll have to adjust your travel dates. Maybe leaving on New Year's Eve, for example. Play around in Skyscanner.

    I'm sorry about your job :) You'll suddenly have more money than you ever had with no freedom to spend it…

    • drcat228 on 20/08/2017 - 14:31

      Sorry, I should've clarified that I'm not looking for travel in a developing country (or the 'less developed' parts of China) as a first and solo overseas trip.

      Haha, thanks - life is all about compromise :P

  • Randxyz123 on 20/08/2017 - 14:25
    +3

    am hoping to travel between my last day of uni (mid-Dec) and my first day at work (mid-Jan) next year, since it'll be a while before I have such a nice holiday period again anytime soon!

    I've been keeping an eye out for deals on Ozbargain but they don't really seem to cover this travel period - am I missing something here? I'm really hoping to minimise costs since I'm still just a student and will be travelling solo.

    You're not missing anything… You want to travel when most of Australia winds down at work and goes away.

    Deals do pop up but also keep in mind it's school holidays as well.

    Play around with your dates. It'll be doable but it'll take time.

    • Randxyz123 on 20/08/2017 - 22:00
      +1

      OP what are your dates?

      I plugged 10th Dec - 7th Jan into IWTF and Got return flights to LAX for $1431.

      May I ask why do you finish uni mid dec? Most Unis finish up in November

  • McBanjo on 20/08/2017 - 14:34
    -1

    Leave earlier and later than the holidays and you’ll be fine.

  • JimmyF on 20/08/2017 - 16:05
    +2

    between my last day of uni (mid-Dec) and my first day at work (mid-Jan) next year,

    So peak season……

  • RockyRaccoon on 20/08/2017 - 16:31

    also anything in the northern hemisphere at these times, to non developing countries, is also going to be limited by the weather. Its going to be winter in many developed countries - snow and difficult to get around

  • Youfah Mizzum on 20/08/2017 - 18:42
    +3

    Tough ask.
    Budget holiday at peak time. Oxymoron.

  • Marcsie on 20/08/2017 - 20:54

    (not really keen on places like Vietnam though)

    What's wrong with Vietnam ?

    • drcat228 on 20/08/2017 - 21:41
      -1

      I'm not particularly adverse to Vietnam - I'd just prefer to not go to a developing country as my first and solo overseas trip. Gotta develop some confidence first!

      • singlemalt72 on 21/08/2017 - 07:35
        +3

        Honestly, there is nothing to worry about - more danger of being robbed/assaulted/scammed in the most popular of European destinations.

        Do Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos/Thailand area, enjoy yourself, it's a blast and the exchange rate (plus existing low prices) means your dollar will go further.
        I have regularly travelled over this period and found cheap(ish) fares by booking late (but it can be stressful waiting for something to come up) Keep an eye on Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Scoot, Jetstar.

      • garffi on 21/08/2017 - 10:00
        +2

        I'm heading to Vietnam in November, although it's not my first overseas trip, it will be my first solo trip :) I reckon Japan would be nice as your first one. It's relatively safe compared to SE Asia, and I had heaps of fun there. Probably the only country that makes me want to visit there again so badly. I remember seeing some December dates available but I think the deal has expired..

      • TheBilly on 21/08/2017 - 20:34

        Dont do Thailand it is a hole - or Bangkok is a hole atleast. Good idea stick to a country you'd be comfortable with. Because these developing countries operate on a different social spectrum than say Australia, and its not pretty sometimes.

  • drcat228 on 20/08/2017 - 21:36

    Thanks for your help, everyone - it's been pretty helpful! Looks like I'll have to see if I'm willing to pay peak season prices.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2017 - 22:16
    +2

    December is also winter time for Japan and China. Just a thought. ;)

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